What to Keep in Mind When Writing a YA Romance
- Blue Pencil Writer
- 7 hours ago
- 3 min read
Everyone loves teen romances! Not only are they full of intriguing characters, but they capture the emotional intensity of crushes, heartbreak, and the crazy journey of growing up. Unlike adult romance, young adult (YA) focuses heavily on growth, identity, and navigating relationships while figuring out who you are. As a result, your YA romance needs to feel genuine, relatable, and respectful to teen life! But writing heart-fluttering yet realistic moments can be challenging. So, here are five things to keep in mind when writing a YA romance!
Plot Their Timeline
It's crucial that you plot the timeline of your book, and therefore the relationship of your characters. That's because pacing is everything! Readers want the relationship to feel believable, which means you should plan when your characters meet, connect, argue, and grow closer. A rushed “love at first sight” can feel shallow if it skips the truly natural stages of attraction, trust, and vulnerability. That being said, it's a fine line! If you drag the romance out too slowly, it may frustrate readers. So, by plotting a realistic timeline—complete with setbacks and moments of doubt—you are on your way to creating a love story that mirrors real teenage relationships.
Rethink the Happily-Ever-After
Relating to the timeline of your story, you need to consider if your story will have a happily-ever-after (HEA) or not. While HEAs bring about butterflies and feelings of joy, they're not...that relatable for YA. Most teens haven't been in a relationship before, so a HEA may not be consistent with the plot. In fact, most relationships at that time often end in confusion or disillusionment rather than lifelong commitment. So, as you plot your story, it's important to consider if you want a "happy ending” or not.
Remember Consent
Consent is literally a non-negotiable in a relationship--both real and fictional. So, as a YA writer, you have a responsibility to model consent and healthy relationships overall. Every kiss, hug, or intimate gesture you write should involve mutual agreement and respect. And you can show this in a variety of ways, whether through words, body language, or both. It doesn’t have to be heavy-handed—it can be sweet, awkward, or even funny—but it should always be clear. Highlighting consent is key to demonstrating its importance while also normalizing respectful boundaries for readers. For tips on writing two characters falling in love, click on the button below.
Focus on Dialogue
Dialogue--and more importantly, banter--drives YA romances. It captures how teens actually connect: through funny or sarcastic banter, confessions, awkward silences, and the things left unsaid. A character’s words can reveal vulnerability, personality, and attraction in ways that description just can't do alone. So, instead of overexplaining how characters feel, let their conversations (and silence) carry the weight. Whether it’s a witty exchange in the hallway or a late-night heart-to-heart, dialogue makes the romance feel real!
Make the Characters Imperfect
Last, but not least, ensure your characters are relatable by making them messy. Readers don’t want flawless characters—they want the ones who feel like real people. So, it's so important for you to give your characters quirks, insecurities, and mistakes that shape their journey. Maybe one blurts out the wrong thing when nervous. Or maybe another struggles with feeling confident when in a group setting. Whatever it is, imperfections make the romance more engaging. In general, they show how your characters' love is about connection despite flaws.
Overall, by focusing on character development, realistic emotions, and respectful depictions of teen relationships, you can create a story that feels timeless and relatable. Just remember the best YA romances leave readers not just with swoony moments but also with a sense of relatability, growth, and connection.
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